Meteorologist Bill Bellis knows Arizona weather. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science from the University of Arizona in Tucson. While studying in Tucson, he worked very closely with the National Weather Service and studied flow of weather, atmospheric pressures and the effect of rain on the desert. Monsoon storms fascinated him and he fell in love with Arizona's mountains, lakes and desert. But it would be years of forecasting weather throughout the country before he became Chief Meteorologist back in Arizona at ABC15.
Bill's fascination with weather started when he was a child. He grew up in Long Island, New York, and anxiously waited for changes in the weather. He especially liked the winters and the snow. One reason: he loves to snow ski. So, whenever the white stuff arrived, the Bellis family would head north to Vermont to ski the slopes.
Although he always loved weather, his mathematical mind drew him to study mechanical engineering at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. But after two years, he knew he had to study weather. He made a dramatic turn in both his studies and his environment. Bill went from living in one of the coldest areas in the country to one of the hottest: Tucson, Arizona. When he moved here to study at the U of A, he knew he made the right choice. In addition to his major in Atmospheric Science, he minored in math, physics and hydrology.
With his degree, Bill was well qualified for a position as a television weatherman. But his first job meant he would have to leave the Arizona. He landed his first on-air position as weekend meteorologist at KLFY-TV in Lafayette, Louisiana. While along the coast, Bill learned about one of nature's strongest and deadliest weather phenomena: hurricanes. Later, Bill moved to KPRC in Houston to be the weekend meteorologist where he worked with a team of six meteorologists with decades of experience from all over the country. There he continued to learn, but yearned to get back to Arizona.
In July of 2003, Bill got the call that he waited years for - to come back to Arizona to forecast weather as the Chief Meteorologist at ABC15. He now does the weather on ABC15 News at 5pm, 6pm and 10pm. He has the Seal of Approval from the National Weather Service and from the American Meteorologist Society for technical know-how and the ability to accurately and effectively communicate the weather forecast. Since he joined the team, Bill has covered monsoon storms, record-breaking heat and of course, the mild and beautiful winters that make Arizona so popular. He knows he's home.
In May of 2004, Bill premiered Desert Doppler, the Valley's most advanced and fastest radar-forecasting tool, making ABC15 the best place to turn for monsoon storm coverage.
Throughout the year, Bill visits schools throughout the Valley and brings WOW out to schools. WOW - or Weather on Wheels - is in interactive educational weather experience inside a 24-foot mobile motion simulator. To schedule a WOW visit, please complete this form.
Bill and his wife Julie are enjoying exploring the Valley and the state with their golden retriever, Sammy. Their family expanded with the birth of this first child in fall of 2004. They are enjoying the diversity of weather in Arizona - from watching the amazing lightning storms to enjoying January in shorts. And Bill still gets to enjoy his skiing in Northern Arizona.
Every Tuesday, he answers the weekly, "Tell Us Bellis" question from a viewer. To ask a "Tell Us Bellis" question or just to drop Bill a line, just click here.
